Although there are numerous studies and articles on the benefits of BIM, it can be difficult for organisations to assess its potential value for their particular purposes. Even when they have decided to use BIM, it is often not clear how to best implement it.
NATSPEC National BIM Guide - Introduction
This 7 minute presentation outlines the purpose and nature of the NATSPEC National BIM Guide.
SBEnrc - Project 3.27: Using BIM for Smarter and Safer Scaffolding Construction
Project name: Project 3.27: Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Smarter and Safer Scaffolding Construction
Completion/expected completion date: 30 September 2014
Main participating organisations: Curtin University, Seoul National University, Qld Dept of Transport and Main Roads, and John Holland
Project goals and objectives: This research will facilitate the design and construction of smarter and safer scaffolding through the use of rule-based modelling systems that link with existing Building Information Modelling (BIM) software and technology.
Context: It will develop digital modelling tools and processes that integrate construction and safety constraints directly into the design, analysis, assembly, inspection and disassembly of these temporary structures. Building on a QUT funded pilot study, this project will identify opportunities for improved safety practices and more efficient design and construction processes, both in Australia and Korea, and seek to extend the results to other parts of Australasia.
Proposed deliverables:
- A comprehensive understanding of practices related to the design and construction of temporary scaffolding structures.
- Digital modelling tools and processes that aid scaffolding design and construction to improve the safety, productivity and profitability of construction projects.
- Education and training requirements to facilitate the uptake of these digital modelling technologies and thus reduce workplace accidents while maximising social and business benefits for construction workers and organisations.
Planned 2014 activity:
- Refinement of the research methodology in conjunction with industry partners to ensure practical outcomes.
- Data collection in Australia and Korea to gather relevant information about safety and construction practices for scaffolding structures.
- Analysis of data gained from both countries and translation of results into rules that guide scaffolding design and construction.
- Identification of success factors and barriers to the development of BIM-based scaffolding design and construction technologies.
- Consolidation of findings for dissemination to project partners and the broader industry.
Expected audience: All construction personnel, agencies and related organisations in Australia
Approach, methodology: The development and use of the proposed BIM-based tools for the design, analysis, assembly, inspection and disassembly of scaffolding structures will:
- Enable rule-based design in accordance with construction and safety requirements.
- Incorporate rule checks against related construction design and safety codes.
- Provide 6D information for design and construction activities, i.e. scheduling, cost and lifecycle-management information in addition to the 3D model.
- Provide visualisation of the installation procedure, design and installation options, and give working condition analyses, such as clearance limits within the surrounding environment.
- Link to structural analysis to evaluate non-standard site conditions.
- Provide BIM checklists for routine on-site inspections that would benefit practical safety assessment on construction sites.
Once a prototype BIM tool is ready for use, the research team will identify two construction sites for preliminary validation - one building construction project and one infrastructure project. These case studies will be important to assess the usability and practicality of the developed tool. The designers and contractors who work on these case-study projects will review the new scaffolding software tools under the guidance of the researchers and propose opportunities for further refinement and optimisation of the links between the various BIM-based modules, to improve application to real-life construction processes.
Project contact:
Name: Xiangyu Wang
Position: Professor, Curtin-Woodside Chair Professor for Oil, Gas & LNG Construction and Project Management
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: +61 8 9266 9059
SBEnrc - Project 2.34: Driving Whole-of-life Efficiencies through BIM and Procurement
Project Name: Project 2.34: Driving Whole-of-life Efficiencies through BIM and Procurement
Completion: 30 September 2015
Main Participating Organisations: Aurecon, Curtin University, Government of Western Australia, Griffith University, John Holland, New South Wales Roads and Maritime Services, Queensland Transport and Main Roads
Background: In 2013, the Australian Department of Industry identified lifting productivity and economic growth as one of the most important challenges that Australia is facing. In 2014, the Australian Productivity Commissions highlighted that a more widespread adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) could enhance productivity across the industry and in turn have a positive impact on the cost structure of infrastructure projects.
Findings from SBEnrc Project 2.24 Integrated Project Environments (2013-14) pointed to the need for:
(i) more effective procurement models that allow the use of BIM as a tool for whole-of-life asset management (from concept to end-of-life); and
(ii) the integration of measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be used from the early procurement phases and carried through the entire life-cycle of public assets
Description: This project aims to identify and assess the added value of the creation of industry benchmarks for implementing BIM in whole-of-life asset management, with a focus on procurement methods and efficiency gains for building and infrastructure. Outputs from this project will provide a base for public sector clients to improve their approach to implementing BIM and monitoring their progress towards fully integrated whole-of-life asset management systems. This project will leverage on three exemplar projects through case studies to develop and test the assessment framework: New Generation Rollingstock (QLD), Perth Children’s Hospital (WA) and Sydney Opera House (NSW).
Proposed Deliverables: This project will:
(i) Identify and evaluate leading comparators to assess the value of BIM across the life-cycle of buildings and infrastructure.
(ii) Provide a framework to assess the actual benefits of implementing BIM in Australian asset delivery and management.
(iii) Advance knowledge base of benefits from transitioning from 2D asset management systems to 3D integrated systems.
(iv) Project contact: Adriana Sanchez, Research Associate, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (0)7 3735 9242
Planned Activity: This research will leverage on previous successful SBEnrc research (P2.24 Integrated Project Environments and P1.8 Sustainable Infrastructure Procurement) as well as CRC for Construction Innovation projects such as Adopting BIM for Facilities Management and FM as a Business Enabler. The research team will undertake new research through:
(1) literature review and desktop research;
(2) 3 case studies across infrastructure and building construction:
(i) New Generation Rollingstock;
(ii) Perth Children’s Hospital; and
(iii) Sydney Opera House; and
(3) review national and international procurement guidelines for using BIM for whole-of-life asset management.
Project Contact: Adriana Sanchez, Research Associate, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (07) 3735 9242
Links: http://www.sbenrc.com.au/category/research-programs/?filter=processes
SBEnrc - Project 3.28:National BIM Guidelines and case studies for infrastructure
Project name: Project 3.28: National BIM guidelines and case studies for infrastructure
Completion/expected completion date: 30 September 2014
Main participating organisations: Curtin University, Swinburne University of Technology, Qld Dept of Transport and Main Roads, John Holland, and Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute
Project goals and objectives: The Project will:
- Develop National BIM Guidelines for Infrastructure based on experience and practical examples that promote consistency in the implementation of digital models for infrastructure projects. The Guidelines will support stakeholders in achieving interoperability throughout the lifecycle of the facility and will be based on internationally accepted standards.
- Highlight open and consistent processes allowing practitioners to work across industry in developing shared "virtual infrastructure" projects.
- Undertake at least six case studies where integrated digital models have been developed and use lessons to be gained from those case studies to assist in the development of the National Guidelines and uptake of BIM in infrastructure design, construction and asset management. The case studies including a selection of roads, bridges, tunnels, and railways will span facilities that are in design development and completion phase to capture learnings across the lifecycle.
- Collaborate with national and international groups including software vendors on the success and limitations of the available software with the intention of improving functionality and interoperability available.
- Test selected softwares' compatibility with the National Guidelines and inform industry and software vendors regarding their respective softwares' compatibility and availability in Australia.
- This project also aims to establish a taskforce with key stakeholders to manage a 2-year program for the delivery of the BIM Implementation Plan for Infrastructure across Australia.
Proposed deliverables:
- Literature review of existing relevant guidelines for screening.
- A framework of BIM guidelines with categories defined.
- An execution plan of organising workshops and soliciting industry feedback.
- Identify 6 BIM projects for case studies analysis across Queensland, WA, Victoria, and NSW (2-3 case studies per institution; Curtin, QUT and Swinburne)
- BIM Guidelines Alpha version: regular workshops and industry consultations
- Case studies implementation results
- BIM Guidelines Beta version
- Case studies implementation results
- Final guidelines/report release and dissemination workshops
Expected audience: Government, owners, operators, end-users, engineers, contractors, owners and facility managers involved in a project’s lifecycle.
Approach, methodology: The development of the guidelines and the implementation plan for infrastructure will be initially based on the existing BIM guidelines from the building and infrastructure industry, but validated through a series of rigorous research methodologies. These research instruments include questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, multiple case studies, Charrette workshops, and benchmarking, with which the research team will work closely with industrial partners from across Australia with participants representing a broad cross section of the Australian infrastructure industry (including clients, consultants, contractors, educators and government representatives).
Project contact:
Name: Xiangyu Wang
Position: Professor, Curtin-Woodside Chair Professor for Oil, Gas & LNG Construction and Project Management
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: +61 8 9266 9059